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AYF-YOARF Midwest Junior Olympics 2016

AYF-YOARF Midwest Junior Olympics 2016

By U. Natalie Hardy of the Chicago Ararat Chapter

 
This past weekend was the 50th Midwest Junior Olympics hosted by the Chicago Ararat chapter. AYFers came with their families from Racine, Granite City, and Detroit to compete in a variety of events. The weekend kicked off with a Friday night social and alumni party at the Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church hall, where over 150 people socialized with friends before the big day of races. Saturday was full of cheering and excitement on the track as athletes competed in sprinting, long distance, and field events. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect; we got lucky with a sunny day and a 75 degree forecast!

After a full day of running and events, the juniors returned to All Saints Church for an upbeat, high-energy dance with music by the Mideast Beat! The dance floor was packed all night with athletes and their families. After chapter dances, the winning chapters were announced.

Congratulations to the Chicago Ararat chapter for taking first place! The Detroit Kopernik Tandourjian chapter took second, followed by the Racine Armen Garo Chapter in third and Granite City’s Antranig Chapter in fourth.

All in all, it was a weekend to be remembered. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who came out and supported the juniors! We are looking forward to seeing everyone next year for another memorable junior olympics, this time in Granite City!